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Elastic Headband Skirt Tutorial

This is a simple 2-layer skirt that uses a girl’s elastic headband for the waistband. Want to make one? Here’s how:Note: You can make this skirt without the eyelets and drawstring; just skip those steps.

I used two contrasting fabrics for the skirt. The top layer is cut to about 4-1/2″ long by 19″ wide, The bottom layer is about 5-1/2″ by 22″ . This includes seam allowance. If you want your skirt to be fuller, just add to the width. If you want it shorter or longer, add or subtract from the length.

Materials

Elastic headband

Fabric

Eyelets

Cording for drawstring

Colored beads

Scissors & thread

First of all, try the headband on your doll’s waist. If it stays on your doll and you’re not going to use the drawstring, you don’t need to cut it. Just skip these next few steps re the drawstring. If it’s too big, mark where you need to cut. Be sure to add 1/2″ for seam allowance before you cut it.If you are going to add the drawstring:
First, cut the seam out of the headband so that you now have an elastic tube. Measure again on your doll’s waist to make sure it fits and trim if it’s too big; remembering to include an extra 1/2″ seam allowance.

Mark the center of your tube and where you want to place the eyelets for the drawstring. Remember that you’ll be attaching the skirt to the band so place the eyelets a little higher than dead center.

I added some clear tape to the ends of my cording to make it easier to thread through the eyelets. The tape goes a little beyond the end of the cord and is tapered to a point.
Mark the position of your eyelets and attach them to the band.
Run the cord all the way through the band and out the eyelet holes.

String your beads onto the cording and tie the ends off to secure the beads.
With right sides together, sew the seam back into what is now your waistband
For the top layer, finish the hem; turn, press.
Add the lace trim to the right side of the top layer.

Turn and finish the hem on the bottom layer

Gather the bottom layer so that it is the same width as the top layer.
Sew both layers together at the waist.
Connect the two layers, RST, and sew back seam.

Gather both layers so that they are the same width as the waistband. Matching the back seams, pin and sew the two layers to the waistband, right sides together.

Voila! You’re done!

There are many variations to this skirt:

Make the top layer shorter

Add different trim to the top layer (pom poms, ribbon, etc)

Add trim to the hem of the bottom layer

Your ideas?

Hope this tutorial is helpful. Please send me pictures if you make a similar skirt following this tutorial and let me know if you have any questions. You can comment/ask below.